All Americans have a duty to defend our nation: Column

Feb. 15, 2013
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U.S. Army soldiers from the 2-82 Field Artillery, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, salute after walking off the plane as they arrive at their home base of Fort Hood, Texas after being part of one of the last American combat units to exit from Iraq. / Joe Raedle Getty Images

by Charles Rangel , USA TODAY

by Charles Rangel , USA TODAY

Ten years ago, 15 million people across 800 cities around the world protested the 2003 invasion of Iraq. This marked the largest anti-war rally in history. In the past decade, more than 2 million Americans have been deployed to the two wars in the Middle East, in which more than 6,656 soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice. We must question why and how we go to war, and who decides to send our men and women into harm's way.

America cannot afford to be dragged into more endless, undeclared combat missions that batter the souls of our military families and drive us further into debt. There are times when military actions are necessary for national security or to fight tyranny. However, use of force must be the absolute last resort. To go to war before you have expended your arsenal of peaceful options to resolve a conflict is unacceptable. And the decision to use force must be made with a clear understanding that men and women will lay down their lives based upon the decisions leaders make.

This is why I am once again proposing that all men and women between the ages of 18 and 25 give two years of compulsory service to our nation. Whether that service is in our schools, in our hospitals, in our airports or on the front lines abroad, the Universal National Service Act would ensure equality among us. The draft would not be a condemnation, but rather a guarantee of balance and fairness. It would build upon the community service infrastructure already in place such as the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps, as well as local initiatives such as NYC Service. This legislation offers alternatives for those hesitant to pick up a weapon.

I understand that the idea of reinstating the draft has been rejected in the past. Hence this time I am also introducing the All American Selective Service Act, which will require all Americans, including women to register for Selective Service as equal partners in the defense of America. This change will be a critical step towards the equality we are constantly striving to achieve as a nation and in our Armed Services. Now that women can serve in combat they should register for the Selective Service alongside their male counterparts.

Mandating National Service and Selective Service registration for all may seem counter-intuitive given that my goal is to limit wars. But the point I'm trying to make is that every American has a duty to defend our county. If all Americans are involved in our defense then every family will fully engage in any decision to use force. Consequently, force will only be used as a last resort.

Already, 59% of Americans believe that their elected officials send our troops into harm's way all too often. It will be difficult to vote yes to war when your own son or daughter, as well as those of your constituents, will be sent into combat.

Conscription in times of need has helped safeguard the freedoms we so cherish while distributing the risk and impact across all America. Today with an all volunteer military, the 3.3 million military households representing less than 1% of American families have become a virtual military class who are unfairly and disproportionately carrying the burden of war.

Having almost died fighting in Korea, I know firsthand that the perils of war scar our soldiers mentally, physically and emotionally. This repeated combat exposure is why 25% of America's active duty military personnel suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Furthermore, combat exposure is a major driver of suicide among veterans and active duty soldiers.

Being a citizen of this great nation comes with great responsibility. The Universal National Service Act and All American Selective Service Act ensure the cost of freedom and benefits of being an American are shared by all Americans.

Democrat Charles Rangel represents New York's 13th district in the House of Representatives.

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